The days pass by one after the other and, before Lan Zhan realizes, his life has become weeks of secret messages and growing hope. It has transformed into something he no longer recognizes, something he wishes would last forever. But time does not stop because one Lan Clan teenager wants it to. Nor does it give him the answer he seeks.

Every day Lan Zhan rushes through his morning routine so that he can find his next note. It's a treasure hunt that has somehow given his life a new purpose. He admires and cherishes every small piece of paper left for him. There's even a special place in Jingshi where he hides his admirer's caring and affectionate words.

Sometimes they are words of encouragement like 'Good job' or 'Proud of you'. Lan Zhan eats them up like candy. Of course he's heard things like this from his gege but he always thought Xichen was expected to say them. His older brother was being groomed to lead their clan one day so praising his didi just came with the responsibility. His Xiongzhang compliments many people. It's what a good leader does to inspire his people and gain their loyalty.

On rare occasions, his uncle acknowledges his accomplishments. It makes Lan Zhan feel satisfied that he's done what is expected of him as the Second Jade of the Lan Clan. His teachers and instructors often praise his work in class and skills on the training field. However, he doesn't feel like they mean it. They're just saying it because he's Qingheng-Jun's son and the child of a dead mother.

These notes of encouragement from a complete stranger, however, make him want him to do better, to push himself harder. He wants this person to be proud of him. It's a strange feeling. And yet he doesn't mind it. Knowing that someone outside his clan recognizes his hard work and has taken the time to applaud his achievements settles something in Lan Zhan's heart he never knew bothered him until a few months ago.

Once in a while, as if this person can read Lan Zhan's mind, the notes will ease his worries. Sentiments like 'Keep trying'' or 'Think positive' give him that extra little push to not give up when things get difficult.

He knows that the other students think everything comes easy to him, that he's naturally gifted. But they don't see the extra work and long hours he puts into his lessons and sword practice. All the other kids are too busy playing games in their free time or relaxing in the sun to notice Lan Zhan in the library copying texts or practicing his guqin until the skin on his fingers is torn.

All of these notes are special in their own way. However, it's the notes that touch his heart that he treasures the most. Words like 'You're special' and 'I admire you' fill in the gaps of Lan Zhan's heart that he never thought anyone would notice. It's as if, for the very first time in his young life, Lan Zhan is being seen for the person he is.

Not for his title.

Not for his family.

Just...himself.

If...no, when they meet, Lan Zhan wants to know that he's worthy of this person's respect. He wants to be able to look them in the face and see approval shining in their eyes.

Sometimes, at night before he goes to bed, he pulls out one of the pieces of paper and traces the strokes again. He remembers exactly where he found it and what he was doing when he felt its elusive presence. His sharp mind has committed each one to memory so he doesn't do it because he forgets what they say. As his finger follows the brush strokes, he tries to imagine what this person felt when he wrote the characters. He tries to see through their eyes in hopes of tracking down his secret admirer.

As the weeks turn into months, frustration begins to take root in Lan Zhan's aching heart. The box he keeps hidden in the secret compartment beneath the floorboards of his bedroom is overflowing with notes. And yet he is no closer to discovering who this person is than he was the first day of class.

Tonight, during dinner, he finds a note concealed within the book he was reading at lunch. It wasn't there earlier and he has no idea how someone could have slipped it in there when he wasn't looking.

Part of him doesn't want to open the folded piece of paper. It's tired of this game. But the other part, the part that refuses to give up, forces him to reveal the message inside.

This note is different from all its predecessors. This note carries with it something priceless.

This one shows Lan Zhan something he hasn't seen before. And it makes him blush so deeply his whole body feels like it's on fire.

You're cute.

Faster than a frightened bunny, Lan Zhan stuffs the note in his sleeve, picks up his book, and rushes out of the dining hall. He didn't even return his bowl to the back to be cleaned. Shufu will reprimand and probably punish him tomorrow but that doesn't stop him from heading directly to Jingshi. Slamming the door behind him, he sits down on his bed and pulls the note back out.

You're cute.

With the tip of his pointer finger, Lan Zhan follows each perfect line of ink. Just like all the others, this note has no flaws. Its message is clear. He stares at it until the bell for curfew rings, its loud bong echoing off the mountains. As he changes into his night robe, his mind tumbles with thoughts that make it impossible to even consider sleep.

Lan Zhan decides to rely on his routine to help him relax. After brushing his hair and washing his face, he sits in a lotus position on his bed and closes his eyes. He attempts to maintain his focus and calm nature through meditation. He tries again and again, each time beginning with a few deep breaths before searching for his inner tranquility. However, this routine that has always worked in the past, proves to be completely useless tonight.

Why?

Because every time he closes his eyes, there is only one thing he sees in the darkness. Or, to be more specific, one person.

One person who stares back at him with a smile that rivals the midday sun.

One person who looks at him with eyes that sparkle like the tail of a shooting star.

Wei Ying's laughter has become an ever present sound in Lan Zhan's life even when the Jiang Head Disciple isn't with him. No matter how hard he tries, Lan Zhan cannot get the young man out of his thoughts. Everywhere he looks he sees Wei Ying making people happy. He sees the young man with raven-colored hair held up with a red ribbon like it was made to be there, empathizing with his classmates and promising to fix whatever problem they have. Not a day goes by that he doesn't notice the Jiang Head Disciple thinking of everyone else and not himself.

Lan Zhan always watches from a distance, too afraid to be pulled into Wei Ying's circle of charm. Because that is exactly what the boy does. He charms everyone. From his teachers and his classmates to the cooks and maids. No one is immune.

Including Lan Zhan.

Strangely enough, there's a part of him that wants to be Wei Ying's friend (Wei Ying has already decided that they are best friends forever and that they'll always be together). And yet Lan Zhan feels as if he can't be a companion to Wei ying when his heart longs for someone else. It would be like using a Wei Ying shaped puzzle piece to fill in a hole that is in the shape of another.

Every note Lan Zhan finds plants another seed of hope that soon his admirer will reveal themself, that this person will finally have the courage to meet him face to face. Every day that passes pokes another pinprick in his heart which is healed by the next note.

After a sleepless night, Lan Zhan walks slowly to class. He passes by a group of students surrounding the Jiang Head Disciple who seems bored with the attention. Something gnaws at Lan Zhan's insides. Anger mixes with sadness until his stomach is tied up in knots. He takes cover behind a large oak tree, praying that no one has seen him.

"Lan Zhan!"

Oh well. So much for not being noticed.

Wei Ying races up the hill and stops in front of Lan Zhan. He's breathless and his cheeks are red from the bite of the colder air. Winter is approaching and Lan Zhan wonders why the Jiang disciple isn't wearing appropriate clothing. All the students were issued heavier robes and warm cloaks once the days grew shorter.

He knows that YunMeng has a much warmer climate and that their winters aren't nearly as cold as the ones in Cloud Recesses. All the other students have taken advantage of the winter attire so why hasn't Wei Ying?

"Lan Zhan! Come to Caiyi with us. It's Jiang Cheng's birthday today and we're going into town after class so we can celebrate."

Lan Zhan stares at the boy bouncing on the balls of his feet and remembers the last time Wei Ying asked him to go to Caiyi with him. Back then, he had refused. At the time, the Jiang Head Disciple had just been....too much. Too much energy. Too much noise. Too much talk. Too much...well, everything.

But now? Now he finds Wei Ying somewhat interesting. He's recognized that the boy has a curious and amazingly sharp mind, something which many of the other student's lack.

Wei Ying often creates inventions that, even though they don't currently work, would be amazing once they do. He shows each and every one to Lan Zhan with the brightest smile on his beautiful face. Speaking so fast Lan Zhan often has trouble keeping up, Wei Ying explains how his devices can help cultivators fight demons on nighthunts or protect the innocent until help arrives. His arms wave chaotically over his head as he describes how he came up with the idea and how it would benefit the cultivation world. However, not once has he ever mentioned selling his inventions for money. It is something Lan Zhan finds honorable.

The passion Wei Ying has for his creations is infectious. Lan Zhan always wonders if there is a way for him to help Wei Ying make his inventions work, to make Wei Ying's dreams come true.

"Mn." Lan Zhan replies.

Wei Ying's eyes widened. "Really? You'll come with us?"

"Yes. I would like to join you."

"But...I thought..."

A shallow furrow appears between Lan Zhan's thick brows as he cocks his head curiously.

Wei Ying giggles. "You're cute."

Both boys freeze. They blink in disbelief, their breaths trapped in their chests.

"Oh...I-I-I...ummm...I didn't mean....I'm sorry...I-I shouldn't have...I don't...."

Wei Ying's mouth fails to make coherent sentences yet Lan Zhan can't take his eyes off the stumbling boy's lips. He watches as a deep blush surfaces all over Wei Ying's face and feels his own ears turn hot as if they were burnt by the sun.

When Wei Ying takes a step back, Lan Zhan's hand unexpectedly shoots out and grabs his wrist. Gold and silver eyes snap to where he holds onto the Jiang disciple's bracer. A heartbeat later, they rise and meet once again.

And in that moment, time stops.